Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Balkan Plug

I noticed the Lakeland scent a little more here than I did in the ready rubbed version. The Cyprian Latakia is smoky, earthy, musty sweet and a bit woodsy with a mild back up from the dry, woody, earthy, herbal, floral, vegetative, slightly sour and spicy Orientals. The Virginias are citrusy and grassy as they form the base for the the components to play. I suspect a very mild sweet topping is here because I don't think it's all coming from the components. This is not a very complex English and the Latakia is a bit stronger here than in the ready rubbed version. It's also a little creamier, and very slightly sweeter, too, mostly due to how plugs are processed. While the plug version is stronger, and may satisfy those who want a heavier Latakia presence, the lack of complexity prevents me from giving this four stars. It took a little more time to prepare than some flakes, and really does need to dry a bit before smoking it. The strength is a step past the medium mark, while the taste is a slot past that level. The nic-hit is medium. Won’t bite or get harsh, and has fewer rough edges than the other version. Burns a little slow, cool and clean with a very consistent, mildly sweet and more savory flavor that translates the lightly lingering after taste and stronger room note. Leaves a little moisture in the bowl, and requires a fair amount of relights. Not an all day smoke.

-JimInks